The end and the beginning
Hello, it is me, no I have not died, neither has the blog. I just needed some space. And time.
2017 was a workout. After the exams I didn't want to think of uni or writing for a long, long time. Meanwhile Christmas preparation and going through the first school holidays with a pre-schooler took all my time, so writing has not exactly been a priority. But hey, those of us not taking any summer units are on a break, so I'm not making any apologies.
So how did your exams go? Happy? Results ok? Ecstatic? Left some room for improvement? Whatever your result, I strongly suggest going through the following:
Look back at your goals and expectations for each unit
Compare these to your final result
Analyse the gap - did you go over/under?
Break it down in to smaller bits - what worked, what didn't?
Did you honestly, seriously put in everything you could have? Look at the image above, a tiny difference in the input can increase the total dramatically
I would also strongly advise talking to your lecturers and tutors about your marks if you are unhappy with them. I'm not suggesting that they will automatically hike them up, but rather take an opportunity to understand where your strengths and weaknesses are. If you haven't had the pleasure of going through performance review in the workplace yet this is basically what it will prep you for. Talk to the uni staff, they are here to help you and guide you.
Personally the exam period last semester took its toll. In hindsight I was pushing myself way too hard (this is something I'm still learning to manage, including outside uni), and a week before exams started I got sick. And I mean crook as a dog kinda sick. The stubborn stalwart as I am, I still decided to sit the exams during the initial period, but I had enough sense to go to a doctor to get a Special Considerations form filled in.
Please note: if you are sick or have other circumstances that may impact your performance at exams do not hesitate to put in a Special Considerations form, or defer your exams! These policies have been put in for a reason and to help you. No shame, no heroes. Please let your lecturers know when you are submitting the form, and a brief description what's happening. Trust me, they will appreciate this instead of just receiving the paperwork.
In the end I did well, better than I expected, and kept my GPA where it was after the Autumn 2017 semester. It came at a price though, as our son started to display some unwanted behaviours at school just simply from missing my attention and company. That hit home quite hard, because one of the reasons I left the corporate world was to put my family higher up on priorities and look after my kids. I failed at that when I let the pressure of studying get to me. :(
This is part of the parental guilt many mature age students have, and you just have to work through it. Lucky for us I recognised the situation and had good conversations with my son's teacher, and as a result changed my own behaviour to work on his. We were successful at that and he finished his kindy year with a great report card and a happy smile on his face. And hopefully this time mummy learned her lesson.
So now I'm back, starting to get ready for another busy semester. I was lucky enough to be selected to work at the Orientation Week, and also to present at Mature Age Student workshop, so I'm getting an opportunity to help new students. I will also start updating this blog now regularly, so stay tuned, some how to get started-posts are coming your way.
Peace, love, and High Distinctions for 2018!